Irish Studies Calendar
SPRING 2013
A series of Gaelic Roots Music, Song, Dance, and Lectures
Sponsored by the Center for Irish Programs, Boston College
Admission to events is free
Event contact: irish@bc.edu or 617-552-6396
Web: http://www.bc.edu/gaelicroots
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On May 11, 2013, Séamus Connolly will receive the Ellis Island Medal of Honor from the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations (NECO) in recognition of his distinguished career as one of the world’s most respected master Irish musicians. The Boston College “Musical Roots” exhibit, on view at the Burns Library through May 23, highlights influences and milestones in Connolly’s career. A renowned Irish traditional musician, performer, and teacher from Killaloe, Ireland, Connolly won ten All-Ireland solo fiddle championships before immigrating to the United States in 1976. As Sullivan Artist-in-Residence in the Center for Irish Programs, Connolly directs Irish music and dance instruction and programming at Boston College.
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On view through May 28, the Burns Library exhibit, “The Musical Roots of Séamus Connolly, Sullivan Artist-in-Residence,” highlights influences and milestones in the music career of Sullivan Artist-in-Residence Séamus Connolly. A world-renowned Irish traditional musician, performer and teacher from Killaloe, Ireland, Connolly won ten All-Ireland solo fiddle championships before immigrating to the United States in 1976.
Connolly’s career at Boston College began in 1990, when he worked with Dr. Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin to coordinate the Boston College Irish Fiddle Festival. Joining the Boston College faculty shortly thereafter, Connolly developed the Irish Music, Song, and Dance Program within the Irish Studies Program of Boston College. In his current role as Sullivan Artist-in-Residence in the Center for Irish Programs, Connolly teaches fiddle; directs Irish music and dance instruction on campus; and curates the Gaelic Roots Music, Song, Dance, Concert and Lecture Series.
The “Musical Roots” exhibit draws primarily from the Séamus Connolly Papers at the Burns Library, with additional items from the library’s Irish collections. Selections include a certificate from Connolly’s first fiddle award in 1957; an annotated program from the 1967 Fiddler of Dooney competition; and a 1903 edition of Francis O’Neill’s Music of
Ireland. The exhibit also features the CCÉ Morrissey Cup (Corn Ní Muireasa) from the private collection of Séamus Connolly.
The “Musical Roots” exhibit is curated by Elizabeth Sweeney, Kathleen Williams, and John Kearney. For more information – whether about the exhibit, the Séamus Connolly Papers, or the Gaelic Roots series – we invite you to contact the Burns Library Irish Music Center at imc@bc.edu or 617-552-3956.
Burns Library regular hours through May 23: Monday – Friday (9am – 5pm).
Burns Library extended hours through May 4: Wednesday April 24 and May 1 (5pm-8pm); Saturday April 27 and May 4 (10am-2pm). For information or directions, please contact the Burns Library at imc@bc.edu or call 617-552-3282.
§ Elizabeth Sweeney, Irish Music Librarian, John J. Burns Library, Boston College
http://tinyurl.com/connolly-exhibit
Directions to Walsh Hall:
Walsh Hall is light-red brick dormitory located at 150 St. Thomas More Road on Boston College’s Chestnut Hill campus. The function room is on the ground floor.
Campus Parking:
Visitor parking is limited to two campus garages (and on designated floors only) at $3/hour:
- Commonwealth Garage: Levels 3 – 6 only (a 3-minute walk to Walsh)
- Beacon Garage: Levels 3 – 4 only
The Commonwealth garage is located on Campanella Way. Upon exiting the garage, cross through the parking lot across the street, and walk straight ahead through the gated area of two-story modular housing known as the “mods.” Walsh Hall is immediately ahead. Use the main entrance, located next to the ATM.
Street Parking:
Street parking is limited, but may be available on Commonwealth Avenue, e.g., just west of St. Ignatius Church. Observe posted signs. See walking directions below.
Walking/Public Transportation:
Closest MBTA stop is Boston College station, the last stop on the “B" line.
Cross Commonwealth Avenue, walking past the main entrance to St. Ignatius Church on your right. Go across the red crosswalk to enter campus and locate a red brick walkway, which you will follow towards the left. The main entrance of Walsh Hall is 150 yards ahead, next to the ATM.
View map at http://g.co/maps/j34ah
Stay connected:
All events are subject to change. Inclement weather: visit http://www.bc.edu/bcinfo for updates on weather-related cancellations at BC.